RICHMOND, VA--(Marketwired - September 30, 2015) - Allianz Global Assistance USA, a leading provider of consumer specialty insurance, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Embark, LLC, to facilitate partnerships in the Conference industry.

Allianz Global Assistance has partnered with Embark to find distribution opportunities for Allianz Conference Protector*, a new insurance product that will refund a conference attendee's registration fee if they are unable to attend their event due to a reason covered by their policy. Embark specializes in creating value-added transactions in the conference industry and developing ancillary revenue opportunities for conference registration and promotion companies.

A recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP found that 225 million participants attended more than 1.8 million conferences in the U.S. in 2012.

"We're pleased to work with Allianz Global Assistance on introducing this new and exciting ancillary revenue opportunity to the Conference industry," said Embark president David B. Wheeler. "Conference registration cancellation insurance is a product that we expect will be well received by both conference organizers and attendees."

Conference registration cancellation policies vary by event, but refunds are generally not available after a stated cutoff date and cancellation fees may apply even when a refund request is accepted.

"We're excited to partner with Embark to launch our new Conference Protector product," said Pat Young, vice president of Sales at Allianz Global Assistance USA. "Conference Protector will provide attendees with a way to protect their conference registration investment while reducing the burden placed on organizers to manage requests for cancellation refunds."

Allianz Global Assistance USA

Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company. Our plans insure 18 million customers annually and we are best known for our Allianz Travel Insurance plans.

In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers tuition insurance, event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for health insurers, property and casualty insurers, and credit card companies.

Embark's mission is to create value-added transactions for our clients in the Conference industry. Our experienced team consults with various clients on cost savings, mergers and acquisitions and commercial transactions in the live event and other industries. Our team has worked in thirty-five countries on more than 1,000 projects for our clients. To learn more, visit embarkteam.com

* - Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. For a complete description of the coverage, carefully review the terms and conditions of the certificate of insurance. Insurance coverage is underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form 105-P-XX-13-101 (single day) and Form 105-P-XX-13-105 (multi-day). Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Conference Protector are brands of AGA Service Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of this plan and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage because of the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company.